The Toughest Trek – Fergus Farrell Interview

Fergus Farrell, who represented Connacht at U18, U19,
U20 and Junior level and who was also capped for the Irish Youths at U18 level,
is undergoing arguably his most daunting challenge yet as he plans to walk from
his yard in Athenry to the National Rehabilitation Hospital (NRH) in Dublin.
The journey will start on the 22nd of October and will finish on Saturday the
26th, a journey of 206 Km.

Less than 12 months ago Fergus suffered an extremely
serious injury when moving heavy equipment in his yard. Fergus was diagnosed as
having ruptured three spinal discs with one of these discs leaking on to his
spinal cord and almost shredding it entirely.

These injuries left Fergus without the use of his
legs and feet and despite surgery in the National Spinal Unit in the Mater
Hospital the initial hope of ever walking again was extremely low.

However, Fergus with the support of family and
friends never lost hope and refused to accept that as his new reality. After 21
days Fergus regained some movement in his toes and despite countless difficult
and dark days, he hasn’t looked back since.

Fergus spoke to Tommy Devane

The funds raised will be used in two key areas –
firstly to buy new equipment for the NRH to help others suffering from similar
injuries, and secondly to help those struggling mentally with the strains that
such injuries can inflict on an individual.

Below is a list of ways individuals, clubs, schools and businesses can donate to the cause.

Sponsor a km | Businesses can sponsor each kilometre
of the journey. 1km can sponsored for €206

Direct Donation | People can donate directly to the
charity by visiting Fergus’ Everydayhero page

Banquet Dinner | A banquet dinner will take place in
Dublin after the final stage of the challenge. People will have the opportunity
to buy a ticket for this event or to fill an entire table at the dinner. Further
details of this element of the fundraiser will be released in due course.

Anyone interested in selling a card or sponsoring a
kilometre can contact [email protected] for details.